56. Banishing bureaucracy: How Octopus Group built a culture of entrepreneurship leading to a $9 billion valuation | Chris Hulatt
How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur? In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology. Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark.Timecodes:02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK31:13 - Octopus Group’s Shared Purpose34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy44:05 - The Future of Octopus GroupDonate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW!Follow James Reed on LinkedinFollow Chriss Hulatt on LinkedIn Find out more about Octopus Group All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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55. Fame, failure & a 12-stone weight loss: The journey to 2 Michelin stars | Tom Kerridge
Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom’s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management. Timestamps00:00 - Introduction02:40- Early career and challenges08:52 Building a culinary empire13:10 Philosophy and success17:11 Mentorship and team building27:18 Journey to sobriety31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry47:16 Future plans and reflectionsDonate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW!Follow James Reed on LinkedinVisit Tom Kerridge's website to learn more about his food, venues, books and other venturesAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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54. The secret behavioural prompts brands use to influence your choices | Raphy March
How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale. They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose.Timecodes:02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AISign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Raphy March on LinkedIn Find out more about Cowry Consulting All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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53. Titan of the hotel industry reveals the 3 things you need to know to open a luxury hospitality business | Sir Rocco Forte
Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century.They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts.Timecodes:02:23 Building Iconic Hotels09:43 The Forte Family Legacy11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire38:54 Family Involvement in the Business43:53 Leadership and Decision Making01:00:25 Economic Views and Government PoliciesSign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedInFind out more about Sir Rocco Forte and Forte Hotels hereAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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52. Karma Capitalism: Why being a good business IS good business | James Reed, CBE
Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer?What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation. James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship. The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society.ITimecodes:03:45 The wake-up fall story12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy17:14 The benefits of being a Philco22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism31:15 How to transition to a Philco34:59 The impact of Philco on business47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses51:09 Final thoughts and reflectionsSign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Check out PhilCo’s website: Check out BigGive’s website: Buy ‘Karma Capitalism’ book: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice.
Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.